postscript

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Fear of God?

If I didn't know from years of personal experience that there are other kinds of folks who are Christians, instead of these two narrow, self-anointed moralists, I doubt I'd be a Christian.

Ted Schurch

Memphis

To the Editor:

The main difference between conservative evangelical Ed McAteer and Marilyn Loeffel is the latter is a self-serving politician and the former is a leader and statesman, highly respected by those who know him.

Many, including myself, voted for Loeffel, former president of FLARE, a pro-family group in 1998, and again four years later, when she had no opposition. Fortunately, she will retire in two years, and this very expensive member of the Shelby County Commission will be replaced by a McAteer-like public servant who knows the difference between right and wrong. The county budget is in dire financial troubles, thanks in part to politicians like "Loophole," who is miles apart from McAteer and the Reagan revolution.

Charles S. Peete

Memphis

Walk This Way

To the Editor:

In Mary Cashiola's Viewpoint "Walking the Line" (June 10th issue), she laments the jaywalking problem in Memphis at large and takes particular exception to the jaywalkers at the University of Memphis. She calls the proposed plan to modify Central Avenue to allow for a pedestrian bridge as a "drastic measure" and that the U of M "should get a crossing guard out there with a whistle and a little stop sign."

As a graduate of the U of M, I concede that there is a daily exodus of students all across Central. Yes, there are crosswalks on Central but only a few. Yes, jaywalking is a problem.

However, the speeding up and down Central by motorists is a bigger problem. Even crossing at the main crosswalk is dangerous as people run yellow and red lights. Crossing at night is even more dangerous. All this while the caution lights are flashing and students are obviously making their way across the street. Many times I have had to jump back as some jerk speeds through a very red light. Motorists simply have no concern for the speed limit on Central in front of the school.

Injuries and deaths are too frequent on this "college" street, regardless of who is at fault. I am happy that they have finally worked out a solution. Now if they could only figure something out for the crossings at Southern.

Chris Shellabarger

Memphis

To the Editor:

While it is true that pedestrians in Memphis seem to think that crosswalks are optional and jaywalking is acceptable, this is also one of the least pedestrian-friendly cities I have ever lived in. There are few sidewalks in many parts of the city, so walking is difficult anyway. I have had drivers speed up when they see me attempting to cross a street. And everybody stops their vehicle directly in the crosswalk, so pedestrians have to compete for space that should be theirs.

Let's face it: The people who jaywalk as pedestrians are also likely to be Memphis drivers, and we all know how safe they are. Visit Salt Lake City or Indianapolis for an illuminating demonstration of polite and competent drivers -- and pedestrians who act in a rational manner.

Paula Langley

Memphis

Kipling Was Right

To the Editor:

Referring to President Bush, Charley Reese (Viewpoint, June 3rd issue) concluded, "He is apparently one of those people who believe that they have merely to say something and it becomes true."

That's not "saying something"; it's wishing. And it reminds me of Kipling's lines:

"Thinking of beautiful things we know/ Dreaming of deeds that we mean to do/All complete, in a minute or two -- /Something noble and wise and good/Done by merely wishing we could."